Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device and method of manufacturing the same

ABSTRACT

According to one embodiment, a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device includes a stacked layer structure including first to n-th semiconductor layers (n is a natural number equal to or larger than 2) stacked in a first direction which is perpendicular to a surface of a semiconductor substrate, and an upper insulating layer stacked on the n-th semiconductor layer, the stacked layer structure extending in a second direction which is parallel to the surface of the semiconductor substrate, and first to n-th NAND strings provided on surfaces of the first to n-th semiconductor layers in a third direction which is perpendicular to the first and second directions respectively.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a division of and claims the benefit of priorityunder 35 U.S.C. §120 from U.S. Ser. No. 14/321,994 filed Jul. 2, 2014,and claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 from JapanesePatent Application No. 2013-139685 filed Jul. 3, 2013, the entirecontents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

Embodiments described herein relate generally to a nonvolatilesemiconductor memory device and a method of manufacturing the same.

BACKGROUND

NAND flash memories are used widely as mass storage memory devices. Inrecent years, memory devices have been miniaturized for cost reductionand increased capacity per bit, and further miniaturization is a greatdemand in this technical field. However, before proceedingminiaturization of flash memories, there are many issues to be solvedsuch as development of lithography techniques and inhibition of shortchannel effect, interdevice interference, and interdevice variations.Thus, a miniaturization technique simply directed to improvement of aplane structure will not be enough to sustainably increase storagedensity of memory devices in future.

Considering the above, techniques to shift such a conventionaltwo-dimensional (plane) structure to a three-dimensional (solid)structure have been developed in recent years for higher memory cellintegration, and various kinds of three-dimensional nonvolatilesemiconductor storage devices have been proposed. One of them is avertical gate (VG) semiconductor memory structure which includes a finwith stacked semiconductor layers (active areas) on each of which a NANDstring is arranged.

The VG semiconductor memory structure has a layout substantially similarto that of a two-dimensional NAND including peripheral devices and thelike, and contacts corresponding to the semiconductor layers and gatecontacts can be formed therein at the same time.

The VG semiconductor memory structure can be classified broadly into twotypes by its memory cell structure. One is a vertical gate-floating gate(VG-FG) type in which charge storage layers are electrically floating,and the other is a vertical gate-metal/oxide/nitride/oxide/silicon(VG-MONOS) type in which charge storage layers trap the charge.

In the VG-FG type, the charge storage layer must be providedindependently memory cell by memory cell for proper function of thememory device. In the VG-MONOS type, the charge storage layer must beseparated memory cell by memory cell, especially, in the direction ofextension of the NAND string (extension of the fin) for improvedperformance of the memory device.

Considering these points, the separation of the charge storage layer inthe direction of extension of the NAND string is performed at the sametime when the control gate is patterned into lines and spaces using ahard mask preliminarily formed on the fin as a mask.

However, the hard mask is also used to process the fin. Thus, the widthof the hard mask must be shrunk to an optimal value necessary forself-aligned separation of the charge storage layer after the fin isprocessed but before the control gate is patterned into lines andspaces.

Such a hard mask shrink is performed by isotropic etching andconventionally, there has been a problem that the initial thickness ofthe hard mask must be large enough before the etching. The hard maskwhose thickness is large enough becomes a part of the fin (the uppermostlayer) and enlarges the height of the fin. Thus, the aspect ratio of atrench between adjacent fins is enlarged and consequently, the degree ofdifficulty in forming memory cells on each semiconductor layerincreases.

Furthermore, the controllability is not good in the hard mask shrink byisotropic etching. In that case, a process margin in separating thecharge storage layer, that is, the amount of shrink must be presetrelatively large. Due to this process margin, the width of the finbetween the control gates becomes partly very narrow. To prevent this,the initial width of the fins must be set wide (which is disadvantageousto the miniaturization purpose). They are problems in this technicalfield, too.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a side view seen along arrow A in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 2;

FIGS. 5 to 20 are cross-sectional views indicating a first example ofmanufacturing method of the structure of FIGS. 1 to 4;

FIGS. 21 to 31 are cross-sectional views indicating a second example ofmanufacturing method of the structure of FIGS. 1 to 4;

FIG. 32 is a perspective view showing a second embodiment;

FIG. 33 is a side view seen along arrow A in FIG. 32;

FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXXIV-XXXIV in FIG.33;

FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXXV-XXXV in FIG. 33;

FIGS. 36 to 45 are cross-sectional views indicating a manufacturingmethod of the structure of FIGS. 32 to 35;

FIG. 46 is a perspective view showing a third embodiment;

FIG. 47 is a side view seen along arrow A in FIG. 46;

FIG. 48 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XLVIII-XLVIII in FIG.47;

FIG. 49 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XLIX-XLIX in FIG. 47;

FIGS. 50 to 58 are cross-sectional views indicating a manufacturingmethod of the structure of FIGS. 46 to 49;

FIG. 59 is a perspective view showing a fourth embodiment;

FIG. 60 is a plane view showing the structure in FIG. 59;

FIG. 61 is a side view seen along arrow A in FIG. 59;

FIG. 62 is a cross-sectional view taken along line LXII-LXII in FIG. 61;

FIG. 63 is a cross-sectional view taken along line LXIII-LXIII in FIG.61;

FIGS. 64 to 68 are cross-sectional views showing a manufacturing methodof the structure of FIGS. 59 to 63;

FIG. 69 is a perspective view showing a fifth embodiment;

FIG. 70 is a side view seen along arrow A in FIG. 69;

FIG. 71 is a cross-sectional view taken along line LXXI-LXXI in FIG. 70;

FIG. 72 is a cross-sectional view taken along line LXXII-LXXII in FIG.70;

FIG. 73 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the structure ofinsulating layer 25;

FIGS. 74 to 80 are cross-sectional views indicating a manufacturingmethod of the structure of FIGS. 69 to 72; and

FIG. 81 is a perspective view showing VLB as an application example.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In general, according to one embodiment, a nonvolatile semiconductormemory device comprises: a semiconductor substrate; a stacked layerstructure including first to n-th semiconductor layers (n is a naturalnumber equal to or larger than 2) stacked in a first direction which isperpendicular to a surface of the semiconductor substrate, and an upperinsulating layer stacked on the n-th semiconductor layer, the stackedlayer structure extending in a second direction which is parallel to thesurface of the semiconductor substrate; and first to n-th NAND stringsprovided on surfaces of the first to n-th semiconductor layers in athird direction which is perpendicular to the first and seconddirections respectively. Each of the first to n-th NAND strings includesmemory cells connected in series, and each of the memory cells includesa charge storage layer and a control gate electrode. The charge storagelayers of the memory cells are separated from one another. The upperinsulating layer includes oxide or nitride of an element selected from agroup of Al, Hf, Ta, Ti, and W.

Hereinafter, embodiments are described with reference to theaccompanying drawings.

Note that structural elements used in the entire embodiments arereferred to by the same reference numbers and explanation consideredredundant is omitted. Furthermore, each drawing is a schematic view onlyused for reference to explain and understand the invention; that is, theshape, size, and ratio therein may differ from those of an actual devicesince these design matters are arbitrarily changeable based on thefollowing descriptions and publically-known techniques.

SUMMARY

The following embodiments are directed to a three-dimensionalnonvolatile semiconductor memory device comprising a fin structureincluding a plurality of semiconductor layers (active areas) stacked onthe semiconductor substrate.

The memory cell of the nonvolatile semiconductor memory device is formedin, for example, a gate structure in which a first insulating layer(tunnel oxidation layer), charge storage layer, second insulating layer,and control gate electrode are stacked in the order stated on a sidesurface of semiconductor layers in the fin structure.

As an example of a vertical gate type three-dimensional layered memory,there is a vertical gate ladder-bit cost scalable memory (VLB) and it isa candidate for the nonvolatile semiconductor memory device of theembodiments.

As mentioned above, the VLB can be broadly classified into two types;one is a VG-FG type in which a charge storage layer is electricallyfloating, and the other is a VG-MONOS type in which a charge storagelayer traps the charge. The following embodiments are applied to both ofthese two types.

In such a three-dimensional nonvolatile semiconductor memory device, acharge storage layer must be separated memory cell by memory cell in thedirection of extension of the NAND string (memory string), that is, theextension of the fin structure for improving the performance. Theseparation is, for example, performed at the same time when the controlgate is patterned into lines and spaces using a hard mask preliminarilyformed on the fin as a mask.

The following embodiments suggest a technique to form a side mask walllayer on side walls of a hard mask layer and pattern the fin structureby the isotropy etching using the hard mask layer and side wall masklayer as a mask. Then, the side wall mask layer is removed selectivelyto form the hard mask layer whose width is optimal for theself-alignment separation of a charge storage layer.

If the side wall mask layer is removed selectively after the finstructure is formed but before the control gate electrode is patternedinto the lines and spaces, the hard mask layer shrink (isotropy etching)required conventionally in this technique can be skipped.

Thus, the initial thickness of the hard mask layer used for the finstructure patterning and the charge storage layer separation can bereduced, and the hard mask layer for the charge storage layer separationcan be formed with high accuracy.

Note that materials used for the hard mask layer are determined to meetthe following requirements: 1. they are functional as masks forpatterning the fin structure; 2. they have etching selection ratio withrespect to the side wall mask layer to selectively remove the side wallmask layer; and 3. they are functional as masks for separating thecharge storage layer (for etching the control gate electrodes,semiconductor layers and insulating layers in the fin structure).

The following embodiments suggest that such suitable materials areoxidants and nitrides of elements selected from a group consisting ofAl, Hf, Ta, Ti, and W.

Based on such a procedure, the three-dimensional nonvolatilesemiconductor memory device suitable for miniaturization can beachieved.

First Embodiment

The first embodiment is directed to a case where the memory cellstructure is a floating gate type.

Structure

FIG. 1 shows the structure of the VG-FG type VLB. FIG. 2 is a side viewshowing the structure in FIG. 1 seen along arrow A. FIG. 3 is across-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is across-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 2.

In this embodiment, the main part of the memory cell array of the VG-FGtype VLB is explained. The entirety of the memory cell array of theVG-FG type VLB is described in the application examples section below.

Semiconductor substrate 10 is, for example, a silicon substrate.Insulating layer 11 is, for example, a silicon oxide layer referred toas buried oxide (BOX) and used as a device separation insulating layer.

On insulating layer 11, first, second, third, and fourth semiconductorlayers (active areas) 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, and 12-4 are insulated from oneanother and stacked in a first direction which is perpendicular to thesurface of semiconductor substrate 10 while extending in a seconddirection parallel to the surface of semiconductor substrate 10.

In the present embodiment, four semiconductor layers are stacked on theinsulating layer; however, the structure is not limited thereto and thestack may be of simply two or more semiconductor layers. Since thememory volume increases as the number of stacked semiconductor layersincreases, the larger is preferable.

The insulation between first, second, third, and fourth semiconductorlayers 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, and 12-4 is performed by insulating layers (forexample, silicon oxide layers) 13.

Upon insulating layer 13 on fourth semiconductor layer 12-4 which isdisposed uppermost among the four semiconductor layers, insulating layer(upper insulating layer) 14 a is formed as a hard mask layer. In thepresent embodiment, insulating layer 14 a contains an oxide or a nitrideof elements selected from a group consisting of Al, Hf, Ta, Ti, and W.For example, insulating layer 14 a contains aluminum nitride (AlN).

A fin structure (layered structure) is composed of first, second, third,and fourth semiconductor layers 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, and 12-4, andinsulating layers 13 and 14 a. First, second, third, and fourthsemiconductor layers 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, and 12-4 should preferably bemonocrystalline but may be polycrystalline or amorphous instead.

First, second, third, and fourth NAND strings (memory strings) S1, S2,S3, and S4 use first, second, third, and fourth semiconductor layers12-1, 12-2, 12-3, and 12-4, respectively, as a channel. First, second,third, and fourth NAND strings S1, S2, S3, and S4 each include memorycells MC connected in series in the second direction.

Memory cells MC in first, second, third, and fourth NAND strings S1, S2,S3, and S4 each include gate insulating layer (tunnel oxidation layer)15, floating gate electrode 16-FG, interelectrode insulating layer 17,and control gate electrode 18-CG on the surfaces of first, second,third, and fourth semiconductor layers 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, and 12-4 in athird direction which is perpendicular to the first and seconddirections.

Floating gate electrode 16-FG includes a first conductive layer (forexample, conductive polysilicon layer) which is independent from anymemory cell MC in first, second, third, and fourth NAND strings S1, S2,S3, and S4.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the width of first, second,third, and fourth semiconductor layers 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, and 12-4 in thethird direction is narrower than that of insulating layers 13 in thethird direction, and floating gate electrodes 16-FG of memory cells MCare stored in recesses between insulating layers 13.

Control gate electrode 18-CG includes a second conductive layer (forexample, a conductive polysilicon layer) which extends in the firstdirection along the surface of first, second, third, and fourthsemiconductor layers 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, and 12-4 in the third directionand is shared with first, second, third, and fourth NAND strings S1, S2,S3, and S4.

Control gate electrode 18-CG covers the surfaces of floating gateelectrode 16-FG in both the first and third directions to increase thecoupling ratio of memory cell MC.

Furthermore, control gate electrode 18-CG completely fills a spacebetween two fin structures Fin adjacent in the third direction (fillingis confined within the space between memory cells MC of two adjacent finstructures Fin). Control gate electrode 18-CG, as a whole, extends inthe third direction when being viewed from the above of semiconductorsubstrate 10.

Here, in the present embodiment, as described in the followingmanufacturing method section, insulating layer 14 a used as a hard maskhas width t1 in the third direction which is equal to or narrower thanwidth t2 of fourth semiconductor layer 12-4 in the third directionwithin the area covered with control gate electrode 18-CG to separatefloating gate electrode 16-FG of the memory cells MC connected in seriesin first, second, third, and fourth NAND strings S1, S2, S3, and S4.

Due to the separation process of floating gate electrode 16-FG of memorycells MC, the cross-sectional shape of insulating layer 14 a in thethird direction changes. The cross-sectional shape has sharp corners (asin FIG. 3) in the area covered with control gate electrode 18-CG whilehaving round corners (as in FIG. 4) in the area not covered with controlgate electrode 18-CG.

Note that the above structure of the present embodiment includes fourNAND strings corresponding to four semiconductor layers; however, thestructure is not limited thereto and functions as well if it onlyincludes two or more NAND strings corresponding to two or moresemiconductor layers.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, gate insulating layer 15 isremoved in the area not covered with control gate electrode 18-CG (as inFIG. 4); however, gate insulating layer 15 may remain in this area oncondition that floating gate electrode 16-FG is removed from the area.

With the above structure, a manufacturing method which can skipshrinking (isotropy etching) of insulating layer 14 a as a hardmasklayer can be achieved. The details will be described below. The initialthickness of insulating layer 14 a can be reduced and the width ofinsulating layer 14 a in the third direction can be formed with highaccuracy.

Materials

Materials used for the above VG-FG type VLB may be selected arbitrarilyfrom those suitable for respective generations of semiconductormemories. Hereinafter, the materials used the most are explained forinstance.

Semiconductor substrate 10 is, for example, a monocrystalline siliconsubstrate.

Furthermore, insulating layer 11 is, for example, a silicon oxide layer.On condition that the part of insulating layer 11 touching firstsemiconductor layer 12-1 is an oxidant layer, insulating layer 11 mayhave a multilayer structure including different insulating layers.

Each of first, second, third, and fourth semiconductor layers 12-1,12-2, 12-3, and 12-4 is, for example, a silicon (Si) layer. First,second, third, and fourth semiconductor layers 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, and12-4 should preferably be monocrystalline, but they are not limitedthereto and may be amorphous or polycrystalline.

Uppermost insulating layer (hard mask layer) 14 a of fin structure Fincontains an oxidant or nitride of the elements selected from a groupconsisting of Al, Hf, Ta, Ti, and W. For example, insulating layer 14 ashould preferably be aluminum nitride (AlN).

Gate insulating layer (tunnel oxidant layer) 15 of memory cell MC is,for example, a silicon oxide layer. Gate insulating layer 15 may beformed of silicon oxynitride or a layer of silicon oxide and siliconnitride. Furthermore, gate insulating layer 15 may contain silicon nanoparticles, metal ions, and the like.

Floating gate electrode 16-FG may be formed of a material such aspolysilicon (nondoped or impurities added), amorphous silicon (nondopedor impurities added), and metal. Floating gate electrode 16-FG may bestructured as a layer including different materials.

Floating gate electrode 16-FG may contain silicon nano particles, metalions, and the like.

Interelectrode insulating layer 17 of memory cell MC contains suchmaterials used for both improving the coupling ratio and preventing leakcurrent in writing/erasing processes.

Interelectrode insulating layer 17 is formed of a material selected froma groups consisting of silicon oxide (SiO₂), silicon oxynitride (SiON),aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃), aluminum oxynitride (AlON), hafnium (HfO₂),hafnium aluminate (HfAlO₃), hafnium nitride (HfON), hafnium nitridealuminate (HfAlON), hafnium silicate (HfSiO), hafnium nitride silicate(HfSiON), lanthanum oxide (La₂O₃), lanthanum alminate (LaAlO₃), andlanthanum almisilicate (LaAlSiO).

Interelectrode insulating layer 17 may be formed of the above materialwith modified composite ratio, or the above material mixed with siliconnano particles and metal ions.

Control gate electrode 18-CG contains one metal silicide layer such as aconductive polysilicon layer or a nickel silicide (NiSi) layer.

Control gate electrode 18-CG may be formed of a metal compound such astantalum nitride (TaN), tantalum carbide (TaC), and titanium nitride(TiN), or of an element showing metallic electroconductivity such as Ni,V, Cr, Mn, Y, Mo, Ru, Rh, Hf, Ta, W, Ir, Co, Ti, Er, Pt, Pd, Zr, Gd, Dy,Ho, and Er, or of a silicide of such elements.

Note that the interlayer insulating layer covering the structures shownin FIGS. 1 to 4 should preferably be formed of a material whosedielectric constant is substantially the same as that of the siliconoxide layer which has relative dielectric constant 3.9. The interlayerinsulating layer is, for example, TEOS; however, it is not limitedthereto and may be a silicon oxide layer manufactured by, for example,firing a polysilazane solvent by thermal processing.

Floating gate electrode 16-FG and control gate electrode 18-CG may beformed of any material as long as the following processes can beadopted.

First Example of Manufacturing Method

FIGS. 5 to 20 show the first example of the manufacturing method of theVG-FG type VLB in FIGS. 1 to 4.

Initially, as shown in FIG. 5, a p type or n type silicon substratewhose plane orientation (100) and relative resistance 10 to 20 Ωcm isprepared as semiconductor substrate 10, for example. On semiconductorsubstrate 10, insulating layers 11 and 13 as silicon oxide layers andfirst, second, third, and fourth semiconductor layers 12-1, 12-2, 12-3,and 12-4 as polycrystalline silicon layers are formed alternately. Then,insulating layer 14 a as a hard mask layer (for example, aluminumnitride layer) is formed on insulating layers 13.

Now, as shown in FIG. 6, a resist pattern is formed on insulating layer14 a by a photo engraving process (PEP). Then, insulating layer 14 a ispatterned by reactive ion etching (RIE) using the resist pattern as amask. The width of insulating layer 14 a in the third direction is setto a value suitable for the separation process of the floating gateelectrode described below. After that, the resist pattern is removed.

Then, as shown in FIG. 7, insulating layer 14 b covering insulatinglayer 14 a is formed on insulating layers 13. Insulating layer 14 b is,for example, a silicon oxide layer, silicon nitride layer, resist layercontaining carbon, or the like. In this example, insulating layer 14 bis a silicon nitride layer.

Then, insulating layer 14 b is etched by anisotropy etching to maintaininsulating layer 14 b only on the side walls of insulating layer 14 a asa hard mask layer. As a result of that, the structure in FIG. 8 can beobtained. For the sake of clarification, insulating layer 14 b formed onthe side walls of insulating layer 14 a is hereinafter referred to asside wall mask layer 14 b while insulating layer 14 a is hereinafterreferred to as hard mask layer 14 a.

Next, as shown in FIG. 9, insulating layer 13, fourth semiconductorlayer 12-4, insulating layer 13, third semiconductor layer 12-3,insulating layer 13, second semiconductor layer 12-2, insulating layer13, and first semiconductor layer 12-1 are etched in the order stated byanisotropy etching using hard mask layer 14 a and side wall mask layer14 b as masks. At that time, a part of insulating layer 11 used as adevice separation insulating layer is also etched.

Consequently, fin structure Fin is formed.

Then, as shown in FIG. 10, in first, second, third, and fourthsemiconductor layers 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, and 12-4 in fin structure Fin,the surfaces extending in the third direction are recess-etched by, forexample, wet etching using choline, chemical dry etching (CDE), or dryetching using chlorine gas. Consequently, recesses are formed in thesurfaces of fin structure Fin in the third direction.

That is, by this etching, surfaces of the first, second, third, andfourth semiconductor layers 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, and 12-4 in the thirddirection are set back inside the surface of the insulating layer 13 inthe third direction. As a result of that, the width of first, second,third, and fourth semiconductor layers 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, and 12-4 in thethird direction is shrunk.

Here, amount x of shrink (etching width) of first, second, third, andfourth semiconductor layers 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, and 12-4 must be equal toor less than width a of the side wall mask layer in the third direction.This is because, as described below, floating gate electrodes of memorycells are separated securely in the area not covered with the controlgate electrodes.

Next, as shown in FIG. 11, gate insulating layers (for example, siliconoxide layers) 15 are formed on the recesses of the fin structure Fin inthe third direction, that is, on the surfaces of first, second, third,and fourth semiconductor layers 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, and 12-4 in the thirddirection by, for example, a slot plane antenna (SPA) plasma generatingtechnique.

Gate insulating layer 15 is used as a tunnel oxidation layer of thememory cell.

Next, as shown in FIG. 12, the entire surface of fin structure Fin iscovered with first conductive layer 16 used as a polycrystalline siliconlayer by, for example, a CVD method. First conductive layer 16completely fills the space between two fin structures Fin adjacent toeach other in the third direction.

Furthermore, the upper surface of first conductive layer 16 is flattenedout by, for example, chemical mechanical polishing (CMP). At that time,the upper surface of insulating layer 14 a may be used as the endpointfor the CMP.

Note that the CMP is performed in consideration of a selectiontransistor formed together with the memory cell. Since this example ismainly directed to a technique for separating floating gate electrodesof the memory cell, the selection transistor is omitted. Therefore, theCMP may be omitted as well.

Then, first conductive layer 16 is etched by the RIE to form floatinggate electrodes 16-FG in the recesses of fin structure Fin as shown inFIG. 13. That is, floating gate electrodes 16-FG are, in theself-alignment manner, separated from each other in upward-downwarddirection (the first direction) by insulating layers 13.

Note that, within the recesses of the fin structure Fin, floating gateelectrodes 16-FG are still extending in the second direction which isdrawn perpendicularly to FIG. 13. Thus, floating gate electrodes 16-FGare connected to each other when they are considered as onesemiconductor layer (one NAND string).

Then, as shown in FIG. 14, the surfaces of insulating layers 13 in thethird direction are recess-etched by, for example, wet etching orisotropy dry etching using HF/NH₃ gas.

Here, amount y of shrink (etching width) of insulating layers 13 shouldpreferably be set to such a value that the surfaces of insulating layers13 in the third direction come between two surfaces of floating gateelectrodes 16-FG in the third direction (between the surface at gateinsulating layer 15 side and the surface opposite to gate insulatinglayer 15).

Such a value setting is preferable since the control gate electrodesformed later can cover three surfaces of the floating gate electrodeswhile maintaining a certain distance from the edges of first, second,third, and fourth semiconductor layers 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, and 12-4.

If the control gate electrode covers three surfaces of the floating gateelectrode, a facing area between the control gate electrode and thefloating gate electrode is increased, and consequently, coupling ratioof the memory cell can be improved.

Furthermore, if the amount y of shrink of insulating layers 13 reachesinside the surfaces of floating gate electrode 16-FG at gate insulatinglayer 15 side, gate insulating layers 15 are sometimes etched togetherwith insulating layers 13. This is because both insulating layer 13 andgate insulating layer 15 are silicon oxide layers in many cases.

For such a reason, the amount y of shrink of insulating layer 13 shouldpreferably be set to such a value that the surface of insulating layer13 in the third direction come outside the surface of floating gateelectrode 16-FG at gate insulating layer 15 side.

Next, as shown in FIG. 15, side wall mask layer 14 b is removedselectively by, for example, isotropy etching. As a result of that, hardmask layer 14 a having a predetermined width suitable for separatingfloating gate electrode 16-FG remains alone on insulating layers 13.

That is, by the above step, an advantage obtained by conventional hardmask layer shrinking techniques can be achieved the same. Furthermore,since the shrinking step of hard mask layer (an integrated mask)performed conventionally can be skipped, the initial thickness of hardmask layer 14 a can be reduced and the width thereof can be set withhigh accuracy.

Furthermore, by the above step, floating gate electrode 16-FG in asingle NAND string (one layer extending in the second direction) can beseparated securely memory cell by memory cell during patterning thecontrol gate as described below.

Next, as shown in FIG. 16, interelectrode insulating layer (for example,SiO₂/Si₃N₄/SiO₂) 17 used for covering the entire surface of finstructure Fin is prepared by, for example, a CVD method. Then, secondconductive layer (for example, a polysilicon layer) 18 a used forcovering fin structure Fin and completely filling the space between finstructures Fin.

Here, as shown in FIG. 17, the upper surface of second conductive layer18 a and a part of interelectrode insulating layer 17 are polished bythe CMP. At that time, the upper surface of hard mask layer 14 a may beused as the endpoint for the CMP.

Then, second conductive layer (for example, a metal layer) 18 b isformed on second conductive layer 18 a by, for example, the CVD.

Furthermore, if need be, the upper surface of second conductive layer 18b (the surface in the first direction) may be flattened out by the CMP.In that case, the CMP should preferably be performed after forming theinsulating layer such as a silicon oxide layer on second conductivelayer 18 b.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, resist patterns 19 are formed onsecond conductive layers 18 b by the PEP. Control gate electrodes 18-CGare patterned using resist patterns 19 as masks.

Resist patterns 19 used for patterning include line and space patternsextending in the third direction. Thus, first and second conductivelayers 16 and 18 and interelectrode insulating layer 17 within the areanot covered with resist patterns 19 are removed completely.

At the same time, floating gate electrodes 16-FG within the area notcovered with resist patterns 19 are removed as well. That is, in asingle NAND string, floating gate electrodes 16-FG composing a singlelayer extending in the second direction are separated from each othermemory cell by memory cell by this step.

Note that, even in the area not covered with resist patterns 19, first,second, third, and fourth semiconductor layers 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, and12-4 and insulating layers 11 and 13 which are covered with hard masklayers 14 a are not removed.

Furthermore, during the patterning process of control gate electrodes18-CG, hard mask layers 14 a within the area not covered with resistpatterns 19 are etched to a certain extent while functioning as masks.As a result of that, the cross-sectional shape of hard mask layers 14 ahas round portions within the area not covered as shown in FIGS. 18 and19.

Consequently, as shown in FIG. 20, hard mask layers 14 a have thecross-sectional shape in the third direction which shapes cornerportions in the area covered with resist patterns 19 and control gateelectrodes 18 b and shapes round portions in the area not covered withresist patterns 19 and control gate electrodes 18 b.

When the cross-sectional shape of hard mask layer 14 a in the thirddirection shapes corner portions in the area covered with resistpatterns 19 and control gate electrodes 18 b, the accuracy of separatingfloating gate electrode 16-FG memory cell by memory cell can beimproved.

When the cross-sectional shape of hard mask layer 14 a in the thirddirection shapes round portions in the area not covered with resistpatterns 19 and control gate electrodes 18 b, facility to fill a spacebetween word lines (control gate electrodes 18-CG) with an interlayerinsulating layer can be improved as described below.

After that, resist patterns 19 are removed.

Lastly, although this is not shown, the space between control gateelectrodes 18-CG having line and space patterns is filled with aninterlayer insulating layer (for example, a silicon oxide layer) by, forexample, the CVD.

The VG-FG type VLB in FIGS. 1 to 4 is manufactured by theabove-described processes.

Note that, due to the condition that insulating layers 11, 13, and 15are silicon oxide layers in the above example, side wall mask layers 14b are silicon nitride layers; however, they are not limited thereto and,if insulating layers 11, 13, and 15 are silicon nitride layers, sidewall mask layers 14 b may be silicon oxide layers.

Furthermore, if side wall mask layers 14 b are resist layer containingcarbon (c), a step of selectively removing side wall mask layers 14 bcan be performed by ashing. If effect of etching (size reduction) tohard mask layers 14 a is unacceptable when side wall mask layers 14 bare removed, resist layers containing carbon are used as side wall masklayers 14 b to suppress the size variations in hard mask layers 14 awhen side wall mask layers 14 b are removed.

On the other hand, ashing requires heat which may damage hard mask layer14 a. If there is a possibility that heat may severely damages hard masklayer 14 a, side wall mask layer 14 b should preferably be removed by,for example, isotropy etching as in the above-described process.

Second Example of Manufacturing Method

FIGS. 21 to 31 show the second example of the manufacturing method ofthe VG-FG type VLB in FIGS. 1 to 4.

The second example features a layered structure of hard mask layer 14 acomposed of a first layer 14 a-1 and a second layer 14 a-2. The layeredstructure allows a selection of mask materials between etchingconditions such as, for example, a condition at the time of forming thefin structure and a condition at the time of separating floating gateelectrodes.

Initially, as shown in FIG. 21, insulating layers 11 and 13, first,second, third, and fourth semiconductor layers 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, and12-4, and first and second layers 14 a-1 and 14 a-2 as hard mask layer14 a are formed on semiconductor substrate 10. Materials used thereinare, for example, those used in the first example except for materialsof hard mask layer 14 a.

In hard mask layer 14 a, first layer 14 a-1 as a lower layer contains anoxide or nitride of element selected from a group consisting of Al, Hf,Ta, Ti, and W. The first layer 14 a-1 is, for example, an aluminumnitride layer.

In hard mask layer 14 a, second layer 14 a-2 as an upper layer may beformed of an oxide or nitride of an element selected from a groupconsisting of Al, Hf, Ta, Ti, and W, or may be formed of a materialcontaining the same element used in the side wall mask layer describedbelow. Second layer 14 a-2 is, for example, a titanium nitride layer.

Furthermore, second layer 14 a-2 may be any one of silicon oxide layer,silicon nitride layer, and resist layer containing carbon, for example.

Now, as shown in FIG. 22, a resist pattern is formed on insulating layer14 a by the PEP. Then, insulating layer 14 a is patterned by the RIEusing the resist pattern as a mask. The width of insulating layer 14 ain the third direction is set to a value suitable for the separationprocess of the floating gate electrode described below. After that, theresist pattern is removed.

Then, as shown in FIG. 23, insulating layer 14 b covering insulatinglayer 14 a is formed on insulating layers 13. Insulating layer 14 b is,for example, a silicon nitride layer as described above. Note thatinsulating layer 14 b may be a silicon oxide layer or a resist layercontaining carbon instead.

Then, insulating layer 14 b is etched by anisotropy etching to maintaininsulating layer 14 b only on the side walls of insulating layer 14 a.As a result of that, side wall mask layer 14 b is formed as shown inFIG. 24.

Next, as shown in FIG. 25, insulating layer 13, fourth semiconductorlayer 12-4, insulating layer 13, third semiconductor layer 12-3,insulating layer 13, second semiconductor layer 12-2, insulating layer13, and first semiconductor layer 12-1 are etched in the order stated byanisotropy etching using second layer 14 a-2 of hard mask layer 14 a andside wall mask layer 14 b as masks. At that time, a part of insulatinglayer 11 as the device separation insulating layer is also etched.

Consequently, fin structure Fin is formed.

Note that, in this example, second layer 14 a-2 of hard mask layer 14 amay be formed of a material which is fully functional as a mask in theetching conditions used in forming fin structure Fin. For example ofsuch a material, a titanium nitride layer may be used.

Then, as shown in FIG. 26, first, second, third, and fourthsemiconductor layers 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, and 12-4 are recess-etched, gateinsulating layers (for example, silicon oxide layers) 15 are formed,floating gate electrodes 16-FG are formed, and insulating layers 13 arerecess-etched, sequentially.

The steps and conditions used therein are the same as those of theabove-described first example (refer to FIGS. 10 to 14). Thus, thedetailed descriptions are omitted.

Note that, at this point of time, floating gate electrodes 16-FG areseparated from each other in upward-downward direction (the firstdirection) by insulating layers 13 in the self-alignment manner;however, they are still connected to each other in the second directionwhich is drawn perpendicularly to FIG. 26, that is, when they areconsidered as one semiconductor layer (one NAND string).

Next, as shown in FIG. 27, second layer 14 a-2 of hard mask layer 14 aand side wall mask layer 14 b are removed selectively by, for example,isotropy etching. As a result, first layer 14 a-1 of hard mask layer 14a having a predetermined width suitable for separating floating gateelectrode 16-FG remains alone on insulating layers 13.

Note that second layer 14 a-2 of hard mask layer 14 a and side wall masklayer 14 b may be removed at the same time with the same etchingcondition or may be removed separately with different etchingconditions.

Furthermore, in this step, only side wall mask layer 14 b may be removedselectively and second layer 14 a-2 of hard mask layer 14 a may be leftuntouched.

Next, as shown in FIG. 28, interelectrode insulating layer (for example,SiO₂/Si₃N₄/SiO₂) 17 used for covering the entire surface of finstructure Fin is prepared by, for example, a CVD method. Then, secondconductive layer (for example, a polysilicon layer) 18 a used forcovering fin structure Fin and completely filling the space between finstructures Fin.

Here, as shown in FIG. 29, the upper surface of second conductive layer18 a and a part of interelectrode insulating layer 17 are polished bythe CMP. At that time, the upper surface of first layer 14 a-1 as a hardmask layer may be used as the endpoint for the CMP.

Then, a second conductive layer (for example, a metal layer) 18 b is asecond conductive layer 18 a by, for example, the CVD.

Furthermore, if need be, the upper surface of second conductive layer 18b (the surface in the first direction) may be flattened out by the CMP.In that case, the CMP should preferably be performed after forming aninsulating layer such as a silicon oxide layer on second conductivelayer 18 b.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 30 and 31, resist patterns 19 are formed onsecond conductive layers 18 b by the PEP. Control gate electrodes 18-CGare patterned using resist patterns 19 as masks.

Resist patterns 19 used for patterning include line and space patternsextending in the third direction. Thus, first and second conductivelayers 16 and 18 and interelectrode insulating layer 17 within the areanot covered with resist patterns 19 are removed completely.

At the same time, floating gate electrodes 16-FG within the area notcovered with resist patterns 19 are removed as well. That is, in asingle NAND string, floating gate electrodes 16-FG composing a singlelayer extending in the second direction are separated from each othermemory cell by memory cell by this step.

Note that, even in the area not covered with resist patterns 19, first,second, third, and fourth semiconductor layers 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, and12-4 and insulating layers 11 and 13 which are covered with first layer14 a-1 as a hard mask layer are not removed.

Furthermore, during the patterning process of control gate electrodes18-CG, first layer (hard mask layer) 14 a-1 in the area not covered withresist patterns 19 are etched to a certain extent while functioning as amask. As a result of that, the cross-sectional shape of hard mask layer14 a has round portions within the area not covered as shown in FIGS. 30and 31.

After that, resist patterns 19 are removed.

Lastly, although this is not shown, the space between control gateelectrodes 18-CG having line and space patterns is filled with aninterlayer insulating layer (for example, a silicon oxide layer) by, forexample, the CVD.

The VG-FG type VLB in FIGS. 1 to 4 is manufactured by theabove-described processes.

Note that, as mentioned in the first example section, materials andsteps may be modified similarly in this example. For example, if sidewall mask layer 14 b is a resist layer containing carbon (c), a step forselectively removing side wall mask layer 14 b can be performed byasking.

Second Embodiment

The second embodiment is directed to a modified example of the firstembodiment.

As compared to the first embodiment, the feature of this example is in adouble floating gate structure of a charge storage layer, which includestwo floating gate electrodes (conductive layers). The double floatinggate structure performs advantages such as an increased charge amount ina charge storage layer and improved controllability of the chargeamount.

Note that an under layer floating gate electrode may be replaced with acharge trap layer (an insulating layer). Such a structure is referred toas a hybrid cell structure. Furthermore, the number of the chargestorage layers is not limited to two and may be three or more.

Structure

FIG. 32 shows the structure of the VG-FG type VLB. FIG. 33 is a sideview showing the structure in FIG. 32 seen along arrow A. FIG. 34 is across-sectional view taken along line XXXIV-XXXIV in FIG. 33. FIG. 35 isa cross-sectional view taken along line XXXV-XXXV in FIG. 33.

In this embodiment, technical points different from the above-describedfirst embodiment (the VG-FG type VLB in FIGS. 1 to 4) are explained.That is, elements corresponding to those explained in the firstembodiment section are referred to by the same reference numbers andexplanation considered redundant is omitted.

On insulating layer 11, first, second, third, and fourth semiconductorlayers (active areas) 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, and 12-4 are disposed. First,second, third, and fourth semiconductor layers 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, and12-4 are insulated from one another by insulating layers 13. Insulatinglayer 14 a used as a hard mask layer is disposed upon insulating layer13 on fourth semiconductor layer 12-4 which is disposed uppermost amongthe four semiconductor layers.

First, second, third, and fourth NAND strings (memory strings) S1, S2,S3, and S4 use first, second, third, and fourth semiconductor layers12-1, 12-2, 12-3, and 12-4, respectively, as a channel. First, second,third, and fourth NAND strings S1, S2, S3, and S4 each include memorycells MC connected in series in the second direction.

Memory cells MC in first, second, third, and fourth NAND strings S1, S2,S3, and S4 each include gate insulating layer (tunnel oxidation layer)15, first floating gate electrode 16-FG1, interelectrode insulatinglayer 20, second floating gate electrode 16-FG2, interelectrodeinsulating layer 17, and control gate electrode 18-CG on the surfaces offirst, second, third, and fourth semiconductor layers 12-1, 12-2, 12-3,and 12-4 in a third direction which is perpendicular to the first andsecond directions.

First floating gate electrode 16-FG1 includes a first conductive layer(for example, a conductive polysilicon layer) and second floatingelectrode 16-FG2 includes a second conductive layer (for example, aconductive polysilicon layer).

The first and second conductive layers of first and second floating gateelectrodes 16-FG1 and 16-FG2 are independent from any memory cell MC infirst, second, third, and fourth NAND strings S1, S2, S3, and S4.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the width of first, second,third, and fourth semiconductor layers 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, and 12-4 in thethird direction is narrower than that of insulating layers 13 in thethird direction, and floating gate electrodes 16-FG1 and 16-FG2 ofmemory cells MC are stored in recesses between insulating layers 13.

Control gate electrode 18-CG includes a third conductive layer (forexample, a conductive polysilicon layer) which extends in the firstdirection along the surface of first, second, third, and fourthsemiconductor layers 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, and 12-4 in the third directionand is shared with first, second, third, and fourth NAND strings S1, S2,S3, and S4.

Here, in the present embodiment, as described in the first embodimentsection, insulating layer 14 a used as a hard mask has width t1 in thethird direction which is equal to or narrower than width t2 of fourthsemiconductor layer 12-4 in the third direction within the area coveredwith control gate electrode 18-CG to separate floating gate electrodes16-FG1 and 16-FG2 of memory cells MC connected in series in first,second, third, and fourth NAND strings S1, S2, S3, and S4.

Due to the separation process of floating gate electrodes 16-FG1 and16-FG2 of memory cells MC, the cross-sectional shape of insulating layer14 a in the third direction changes. The cross-sectional shape has sharpcorners (as in FIG. 34) in the area covered with control gate electrode18-CG while having round corners (as in FIG. 35) in the area not coveredwith control gate electrode 18-CG.

With the above structure, a manufacturing method which can skip ashrinking step (isotropy etching) of insulating layer 14 a as a hardmask layer can be achieved. The details will be described below. Theinitial thickness of insulating layer 14 a can be reduced and the widthof insulating layer 14 a in the third direction can be formed with highaccuracy.

Materials

As in the first embodiment, materials used for the above VG-FG type VLBmay be selected arbitrarily from those suitable for respectivegenerations of semiconductor memories. Since the examples of suchmaterials have already been explained in detail in the first embodimentsection, repetition is avoided here.

Note that interelectrode insulating layer 20 is different frominterelectrode insulating layer 17 in material respect, and shouldpreferably be formed of a material allowing charge transfer betweenfirst and second floating gate electrodes 16-FG1 and 16-FG2. Forexample, interelectrode insulating layer 20 functions as a tunnelinsulating layer (for example, a silicon oxide layer) as with the caseof gate insulating layer 15.

Example of Manufacturing Method

FIGS. 36 to 45 show the example of the manufacturing method of the VG-FGtype VLB in FIGS. 32 to 35.

Initially, as shown in FIG. 36, gate insulating layers (tunnelinsulating layers) 15 are formed on the surfaces of first, second,third, and fourth semiconductor layers 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, and 12-4 in thethird direction in fin structure Fin in line with the processesdescribed in the first example of the manufacturing method section (withreference to FIGS. 5 to 11) of the first embodiment.

Here, the structural elements formed in line with the processes shown inFIGS. 5 to 11 are referred to by the same reference numbers in FIG. 36.

Next, as shown in FIG. 12, the entire surface of fin structure Fin iscovered with first conductive layer 16 used as a polycrystalline siliconlayer by, for example, a CVD method. First conductive layer 16completely fills the space between two fin structures Fin adjacent toeach other in the third direction.

Furthermore, the upper surface of first conductive layer 16 is flattenedout by, for example, CMP. At that time, the upper surface of insulatinglayer 14 a may be used as the endpoint for the CMP.

Note that the CMP is performed in consideration of a selectiontransistor formed together with the memory cell. For the same reasonstated in the first embodiment section, the CMP may be omitted.

Then, first floating gate electrodes 16-FG1 are formed in recesses infin structure Fin by performing RIE for first conductive layer 16 asshown in FIG. 37. That is, first floating gate electrodes 16-FG1 areseparated from each other in upward-downward direction (the firstdirection) by insulating layers 13 in the self-alignment manner.

Next, as shown in FIG. 38, interelectrode insulating layers (tunnelinsulating layers) 20 are formed on first floating gate electrodes16-FG1, that is, surfaces of first floating gate electrodes 16-FG1 bythe SPA plasma generating technique.

Then, as shown in FIG. 39, second floating gate electrodes 16-FG2 areformed in line with the process used to form first floating gateelectrodes 16-FG1 as in FIG. 36. Second floating gate electrodes 16-FG2are, as with first floating gate electrodes 16-FG1, separated from eachother in upward-downward direction (the first direction) by insulatinglayers 13 in the self-alignment manner.

Note that, at this point of time, in the recesses of fin structure Fin,first and second floating gate electrodes 16-FG1 and 16-FG2 extend inthe second direction which is drawn perpendicularly to FIG. 39 and theyare still connected to each other when they are considered as onesemiconductor layer (one NAND string).

Then, as shown in FIG. 40, the surfaces of insulating layers 13 in thethird direction are recess-etched by, for example, wet etching orisotropy dry etching using HF/NH₃ gas.

Here, amount y of shrink (etching width) of insulating layers 13 shouldpreferably be set to such a value that the surfaces of insulating layers13 in the third direction come outside the surface at the gateinsulating layer 15 side out of the two surfaces of floating gateelectrodes 16-FG1 in the third direction.

Next, as shown in FIG. 41, side wall mask layer 14 b is removedselectively by, for example, isotropy etching. As a result, hard masklayer 14 a having a predetermined width suitable for separating firstand second floating gate electrodes 16-FG1 and 16-FG2 remains alone oninsulating layers 13.

That is, by the above step, the same advantage obtained by conventionalhard mask layer shrinking techniques can be achieved. Furthermore, sincethe shrinking step of a hard mask layer (an integrated mask) performedconventionally can be skipped, the initial thickness of hard mask layer14 a can be reduced and the width thereof can be set with high accuracy.

Furthermore, by the above step, first and second floating gateelectrodes 16-FG1 and 16-FG2 in a single NAND string (one layerextending in the second direction) can be separated securely memory cellby memory cell during patterning of the control gate as described below.

Next, as shown in FIG. 42, interelectrode insulating layer 17 used forcovering the entire surface of fin structure Fin is prepared by, forexample, the CVD method. Then, second conductive layer 18 a used forcovering fin structure Fin and completely filling the space between finstructures Fin.

Here, as shown in FIG. 43, the upper surface of second conductive layer18 a and a part of interelectrode insulating layer 17 are polished bythe CMP. At that time, the upper surface of hard mask layer 14 a may beused as the endpoint for the CMP.

Then, second conductive layer (for example, a metal layer) 18 b isformed on second conductive layer 18 a by, for example, the CVD.

Furthermore, if need be, the upper surface of second conductive layer 18b (the surface in the first direction) may be flattened out by the CMP.In that case, the CMP should preferably be performed after forming theinsulating layer such as a silicon oxide layer on second conductivelayer 18 b.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 44 and 45, resist patterns 19 are formed onsecond conductive layers 18 b by the PEP. Control gate electrodes 18-CGare patterned using resist patterns 19 as masks.

Resist patterns 19 used for patterning include line and space patternsextending in the third direction. Thus, first and second conductivelayers 16 and 18 and interelectrode insulating layer 17 within the areanot covered with resist patterns 19 are removed completely.

At the same time, first and second floating gate electrodes 16-FG1 and16-FG2 within the area not covered with resist patterns 19 are removedas well. That is, in a single NAND string, first and second floatinggate electrodes 16-FG1 and 16-FG2 composing a single layer extending inthe second direction are separated from each other memory cell by memorycell by this step.

Note that, even in the area not covered with resist patterns 19, first,second, third, and fourth semiconductor layers 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, and12-4 and insulating layers 11 and 13 which are covered with hard masklayers 14 a are not removed.

Furthermore, during the patterning process of control gate electrodes18-CG, hard mask layers 14 a within the area not covered with resistpatterns 19 are etched to a certain extent while functioning as masks.As a result of that, the cross-sectional shape of hard mask layers 14 ahas round portions within the area not covered as shown in FIGS. 44 and45.

Thus, when the cross-sectional shape of hard mask layer 14 a in thethird direction shapes corner portions in the area covered with resistpatterns 19 and control gate electrodes 18 b, the accuracy of separatingfloating gate electrodes 16-FG1 and 16-FG2 memory cell by memory cellcan be improved.

When the cross-sectional shape of hard mask layer 14 a in the thirddirection shapes round portions in the area not covered with resistpatterns 19 and control gate electrodes 18 b, facility to fill a spacebetween word lines (control gate electrodes 18-CG) with an interlayerinsulating layer can be improved as described below.

After that, resist patterns 19 are removed.

Lastly, although this is not shown, the space between control gateelectrodes 18-CG having line and space patterns is filled with aninterlayer insulating layer (for example, a silicon oxide layer) by, forexample, the CVD.

The VG-FG type VLB in FIGS. 32 to 35 is manufactured by theabove-described processes.

Third Embodiment

The feature of this example is in an electrode passing through first,second, third, and fourth semiconductor layers (layered channel activeareas) in a fin structure. The electrode improves efficiency of a dataerase operation for memory cells (extracting a charge from floating gateelectrodes).

Note that the present embodiment can be used in combination with thefirst and second embodiments and every embodiment described hereinafter.

Structure

FIG. 46 shows the structure of the VG-FG type VLB. FIG. 47 is a sideview showing the structure in FIG. 46 seen along arrow A. FIG. 48 is across-sectional view taken along line XLVIII-XLVIII in FIG. 47. FIG. 49is a cross-sectional view taken along line XLIX-XLIX in FIG. 47.

This embodiment is based on the structure of the above-described firstembodiment (the VG-FG type VLB in FIGS. 1 to 4) and technical pointsdifferent from the structure are explained. That is, elementscorresponding to those explained in the first embodiment section arereferred to by the same reference numbers and explanation consideredredundant is omitted.

On insulating layer 11, first, second, third, and fourth semiconductorlayers (active areas) 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, and 12-4 are disposed. First,second, third, and fourth semiconductor layers 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, and12-4 are insulated from one another by insulating layers 13. Insulatinglayers 14 a and 14 b used as hard mask layers are disposed uponinsulating layer 13 on fourth semiconductor layer 12-4 which is disposeduppermost among the four semiconductor layers.

Insulating layer 14 a contains an oxide or a nitride of an elementselected from a group consisting of Al, Hf, Ta, Ti, and W. For example,insulating layer 14 a contains aluminum nitride (AlN). Insulating layer14 b may optionally be a silicon oxide layer, silicon nitride layer, orresist layer containing carbon. For example, insulating layer 14 bcontains a silicon nitride layer.

That is, a material used for insulating layer 14 a is different fromthat used for insulating layer 14 b, and in other words, a material usedfor insulating layer 14 a has an etching selection ratio with respect toinsulating layer 14 b.

In a fin structure Fin, a slit passes through insulating layer 14 a usedas a hard mask, and first, second, third, fourth semiconductor layers12-1, 12-2, 12-3, and 12-4 in the first direction.

Insulating layers (for example, silicon oxide layers) 22 cover surfacesof first, second, third, and fourth semiconductor layers 12-1, 12-2,12-3, and 12-4 in the third direction within the slit. Furthermore, aconductive layer (for example, metal layer and conductive polysiliconlayer) 21 is formed within this slit.

The upper surface of conductive layer 21 (the surface in the firstdirection) is at least lower than the surface of insulating layer 14 aat semiconductor substrate 10 side (that is, the upper surface ofconductive layer 21 is closer to semiconductor substrate 10 as comparedto the surface of conductive layer 21). Insulating layer 14 b used as ahard mask is formed on conductive layer 21 within the slit. In thisembodiment, the upper surface of insulating layer 14 b is lower than theupper surface of insulating layer 14 a; however, both surfaces may beset at the same level.

Conductive layer 21 functions, for example, as an erasure electrode towhich positive voltage is applied in the data erase operation of memorycells MC in fin structure Fin for better erasure efficiency.

Memory cells MC in first, second, third, and fourth NAND strings S1, S2,S3, and S4 each include gate insulating layer (tunnel oxidation layer)15, floating gate electrode 16-FG, interelectrode insulating layer 17,and control gate electrode 18-CG on the surfaces of first, second,third, and fourth semiconductor layers 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, and 12-4 in athird direction which is perpendicular to the first and seconddirections.

The first conductive layers of floating gate electrodes 16-FG areindependent from any memory cell MC in first, second, third, and fourthNAND strings S1, S2, S3, and S4.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the width of first, second,third, and fourth semiconductor layers 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, and 12-4 in thethird direction is narrower than that of insulating layers 13 in thethird direction, and floating gate electrodes 16-FG of memory cells MCare stored in recesses between insulating layers 13.

Control gate electrode 18-CG includes a second conductive layer (forexample, a conductive polysilicon layer) which extends in the firstdirection along the surface of first, second, third, and fourthsemiconductor layers 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, and 12-4 in the third directionand is shared with first, second, third, and fourth NAND strings S1, S2,S3, and S4.

Here, in the present embodiment, as described in the first embodimentsection, insulating layers 14 a and 14 b used as hard masks have totalwidth t1 in the third direction which is equal to or narrower than widtht2 of fourth semiconductor layer 12-4 in the third direction within thearea covered with control gate electrode 18-CG to separate floating gateelectrode 16-FG of the memory cells MC connected in series in first,second, third, and fourth NAND strings S1, S2, S3, and S4.

Due to the separation process of floating gate electrode 16-FG of memorycells MC, the cross-sectional shape of insulating layer 14 a in thethird direction changes. The cross-sectional shape has sharp corners (asin FIG. 48) in the area covered with control gate electrode 18-CG whilehaving round corners (as in FIG. 49) in the area not covered withcontrol gate electrode 18-CG.

With the above structure, a manufacturing method which can skip ashrinking step (isotropy etching) of insulating layer 14 a as a hardmask layer can be achieved. The details will be described below. Theinitial thickness of insulating layer 14 a can be reduced and the widthof insulating layer 14 a in the third direction can be formed with highaccuracy.

Materials

As in the first embodiment, materials used for the above VG-FG type VLBmay be selected arbitrarily from those suitable for respectivegenerations of semiconductor memories. Since the examples of suchmaterials have already been explained in detail in the first embodimentsection, repetition is avoided here.

Note that conductive layer 21 contains a metal layer and conductivepolysilicon layer. For example, conductive layer 21 contains the samematerial used in floating gate electrode 16-FG.

Example of Manufacturing Method

FIGS. 50 to 58 show the example of the manufacturing method of the VG-FGtype VLB in FIGS. 46 to 49.

Initially, as shown in FIG. 46, a p type or n type silicon substratewhose plane orientation (100) and relative resistance 10 to 20 Ωcm isprepared as semiconductor substrate 10, for example. On semiconductorsubstrate 10, insulating layers 11 and 13 as silicon oxide layers andfirst, second, third, and fourth semiconductor layers 12-1, 12-2, 12-3,and 12-4 as polycrystalline silicon layers are formed alternately. Then,insulating layer 14 a as a hard mask layer (for example, aluminumnitride layer) is formed on insulating layers 13.

Now, as shown in FIG. 51, a resist pattern is formed on insulating layer14 a by the PEP. Then, insulating layer 14 a is patterned by RIE usingthe resist pattern as a mask. The width of insulating layer 14 a in thethird direction is set to a value suitable for the separation process ofthe floating gate electrode described below. Furthermore, insulatinglayer 14 a has a slit which is parallel with the surface ofsemiconductor substrate 10 and extending in the second direction (whichis drawn perpendicularly to FIG. 51) orthogonal to the third direction.After that, the resist pattern is removed.

Then, as shown in FIG. 52, resist pattern 23 is formed on insulatinglayers 13 and 14 a by the PEP. Resist pattern 23 has openingscorresponding to slits in insulating layer 14 a. Then, insulating layer13 and first, second, third, and fourth semiconductor layers 12-1, 12-2,12-3, and 12-4 are etched by RIE using insulating layer 14 a and resistpattern 23 as masks.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 53, a slit is formed passing throughinsulating layer 13 and first, second, third, and fourth semiconductorlayers 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, and 12-4.

Next, as shown in FIG. 54, insulating layers (for example, silicon oxidelayers) 22 are formed by, for example, thermal oxidation, in the slit tofit on the surfaces of first second, third, and fourth semiconductorlayers 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, and 12-4 in the third direction.

Then, conductive layers (for example, conductive polysilicon layers) 21to fill the slit are formed on insulating layers 13 and 14 a by, forexample, an LPCVD method. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 56, conductivelayers 21 are etched to only reside within the slit.

Here, after being etched back, the upper surface of conductive layer 21(the surface in the first direction of layered first, second, third, andfourth semiconductor layers 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, and 12-4) is set to belower than the upper surface of insulating layer 14 a used as a hardmask layer, and preferably, be in proximity to the upper surface ofinsulating layer 13 which is disposed uppermost among the otherinsulating layers 13.

Next, as shown in FIG. 57, insulating layer 14 b is formed on uppermostinsulating layer 13 to cover insulating layer 14 a. Insulating layer 14b may optionally be a silicon oxide layer, silicon nitride layer, orresist layer containing carbon. If insulating layer 14 a is an aluminumnitride layer, insulating layer 14 b should preferably be a siliconnitride layer.

Then, insulating layer 14 b is etched by anisotropy etching to residewithin the slit and side walls of insulating layer 14 a used as a hardmask. As a result of that, insulating layer 14 b becomes a side wallmask layer.

Next, as shown in FIG. 58, insulating layer 13, fourth semiconductorlayer 12-4, insulating layer 13, third semiconductor layer 12-3,insulating layer 13, second semiconductor layer 12-2, insulating layer13, and first semiconductor layer 12-1 are etched in the order stated byanisotropy etching using hard mask layer 14 a and side wall mask layer14 b as masks. At that time, a part of insulating layer 11 as the deviceseparation insulating layer is also etched.

Consequently, a fin structure Fin is formed.

The processes performed thereafter are the same as those of the firstembodiment (refer to FIGS. 10 to 20), and detailed explanations areomitted.

The VG-FG type VLB in FIGS. 46 to 49 is manufactured by theabove-described processes.

Note that, in this manufacturing method, conductive layer 21 as anerasure electrode can be formed with merely one additional PEP step ascompared to the manufacturing method of the first embodiment.Furthermore, conductive layer 21 used as an erasure electrode canimprove efficiency in the erase operation.

Fourth Embodiment

The present embodiment features floating gate electrodes and controlgate electrodes disposed alternately in the second direction in whichfin structure extends.

In this case, two control gate electrodes cover two side surfaces of onefloating gate electrode in the second direction. Thus, as compared tothe first embodiment, a facing area between the control gate electrodeand the floating gate electrode is increased, and as a result of that,charge amount in the floating gate electrode can be controlled by thecontrol gate electrodes with higher controllability.

Structure

FIG. 59 shows the structure of the VG-FG type VLB. FIG. 60 is a planeview of the fin structure in FIG. 59. FIG. 61 is a side view showing thestructure in FIG. 59 seen along arrow A. FIG. 62 is a cross-sectionalview taken along line LXII-LXII in FIG. 61. FIG. 63 is a cross-sectionalview taken along line LXIII-LXIII in FIG. 61.

This embodiment is based on the structure of the above-described firstembodiment (the VG-FG type VLB in FIGS. 1 to 4) and technical pointsdifferent from the structure are explained. That is, elementscorresponding to those explained in the first embodiment section arereferred to by the same reference numbers and explanation consideredredundant is omitted.

On insulating layer 11, first, second, third, and fourth semiconductorlayers (active areas) 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, and 12-4 are disposed. First,second, third, and fourth semiconductor layers 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, and12-4 are insulated from one another by insulating layers 13. Insulatinglayers 14 a and 14 b used as hard mask layers are disposed uponinsulating layer 13 on fourth semiconductor layer 12-4 which is disposeduppermost among the four semiconductor layers. Insulating layer 14 acontains an oxide or a nitride of elements selected from a groupconsisting of Al, Hf, Ta, Ti, and W.

Memory cells MC in first, second, third, and fourth NAND strings S1, S2,S3, and S4 each include gate insulating layer (tunnel oxidation layer)15, floating gate electrode 16-FG, interelectrode insulating layer 17,and insulating layer 24 on the surfaces of first, second, third, andfourth semiconductor layers 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, and 12-4 in a thirddirection which is perpendicular to the first and second directions.

The first conductive layers of floating gate electrodes 16-FG areindependent from any memory cell MC in first, second, third, and fourthNAND strings S1, S2, S3, and S4.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the width of first, second,third, and fourth semiconductor layers 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, and 12-4 in thethird direction is narrower than that of insulating layers 13 in thethird direction, and floating gate electrodes 16-FG of memory cells MCare stored in recesses between insulating layers 13.

Here, in the present embodiment, interelectrode insulating layer 17 andcontrol gate electrode 18-CG are not disposed on the surface of floatinggate electrode 16-FG in the third direction. This is the technical pointgreatly different from the first embodiment. Interelectrode insulatinglayer 17 and control gate electrode 18-CG are disposed on two surfacesof floating gate electrode 16-FG in the second direction (the directionto which fin structure Fin extends), respectively.

That is, interelectrode insulating layer 17 and control gate electrode18-CG in the first embodiment (in FIGS. 1 to 4) are replaced withinsulating layer 24 in the present embodiment. Spaces between controlgate electrodes 18-CG in the first embodiment are replaced withinterelectrode insulating layers 17 and insulating layers 24.

Control gate electrode 18-CG includes a second conductive layer (forexample, a conductive polysilicon layer) which extends in the firstdirection along the surface of first, second, third, and fourthsemiconductor layers 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, and 12-4 in the third directionand is shared with first, second, third, and fourth NAND strings S1, S2,S3, and S4.

Here, in the present embodiment, as described in the first embodimentsection, insulating layer 14 a used as a hard mask has width t1 in thethird direction which is equal to or narrower than the width t2 offourth semiconductor layer 12-4 in the third direction within the areacovered with control gate electrode 18-CG to separate floating gateelectrode 16-FG of memory cells MC connected in series in first, second,third, and fourth NAND strings S1, S2, S3, and S4.

Due to the separation process of floating gate electrode 16-FG of memorycells MC, the cross-sectional shape of insulating layer 14 a in thethird direction changes. The cross-sectional shape has sharp corners (asin FIG. 62) in the area covered with insulating layer 24 while havinground corners (as in FIG. 63) in the area not covered with insulatinglayer 24 (in the area covered with control gate electrode 18-CG).

With the above structure, a manufacturing method which can skip ashrinking step (isotropy etching) of insulating layer 14 a as a hardmask layer can be achieved. The details will be described below. Theinitial thickness of insulating layer 14 a can be reduced and the widthof insulating layer 14 a in the third direction can be formed with highaccuracy.

Materials

As in the first embodiment, materials used for the above VG-FG type VLBmay be selected arbitrarily from those suitable for respectivegenerations of semiconductor memories. Since the examples of suchmaterials have already been explained in detail in the first embodimentsection, repetition is avoided here.

Note that insulating layer 24 is formed of an insulating layerapplicable to an interlayer insulating layer such as a silicon oxidelayer.

Example of Manufacturing Method

FIGS. 64 to 68 show the example of the manufacturing method of the VG-FGtype VLB in FIGS. 59 to 63.

Initially, as shown in FIG. 64, gate insulating layers (tunnelinsulating layers) 15, and floating gate electrodes 16-FG which are usedas first conductive layers 16 are formed on surfaces of first, second,third, and fourth semiconductor layers 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, and 12-4 in thethird direction in fin structure Fin, insulating layers 13 are shrunk,and side wall mask layers 14 b are removed. These processes areperformed in line with the processes performed in the first example ofmanufacturing method (refer to FIGS. 5 to 15) of the first embodiment.

Here, the structural elements formed in line with the processes shown inFIGS. 5 to 15 are referred to by the same reference numbers in FIG. 64.

Next, as shown in FIG. 65, the entire surface of fin structure Fin iscovered with insulating layer 24 by, for example, a CVD method.Insulating layer 24 completely fills the space between two finstructures Fin adjacent to each other in the third direction. The uppersurface of insulating layer 24 is flattened out by, for example, theCMP.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 66 and 67, a resist pattern is formed oninsulating layers 24 by the PEP. Insulating layer 24 is patterned usingthe resist pattern as a mask.

The resist pattern used for patterning includes line and space patternsextending in the third direction. Thus, floating gate electrodes 16-FGwithin the area not covered with the resist pattern are removed. Thatis, in a single NAND string, floating gate electrodes 16-FG composing asingle layer extending in the second direction are separated from eachother memory cell by memory cell by this step.

Note that, even in the area not covered with the resist pattern, first,second, third, and fourth semiconductor layers 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, and12-4 and insulating layers 11 and 13 which are covered with hard masklayers 14 a are not removed.

Furthermore, during the patterning process of insulating layer 24, hardmask layers 14 a within the area not covered with the resist pattern areetched to a certain extent while functioning as masks. As a result ofthat, the cross-sectional shape of hard mask layers 14 a has roundportions within the area not covered as shown in FIGS. 66 and 67.

After that, the resist pattern is removed.

Next, as shown in FIG. 68, interelectrode insulating layer (for example,SiO₂/Si₃N₄/SiO₂) 17 used for covering two side surfaces of floating gateelectrode 16-FG in the second direction is prepared by, for example, theCVD method. Interelectrode insulating layer 17 further covers thesurface of insulating layer 24 in the second direction. Then, controlgate electrode 18-CG is formed in spaces between insulating layers 24for completely filling spaces between fin structures Fin.

Here, interelectrode insulating layer 17 and control gate electrode18-CG are formed by a damascene process. That is, after being formed inthe spaces between insulating layers 24, interelectrode insulating layer17 and control gate electrode 18-CG are polished by the CMP to onlyreside within the spaces between insulating layers 24. At that time, theupper surface of insulating layer 24 may be used as the endpoint for theCMP.

Lastly, although this is not shown, the spaces between control gateelectrodes 18-CG having line and space patterns are filled withinterlayer insulating layers (for example, silicon oxide layers) by, forexample, the CVD.

The VG-FG type VLB in FIGS. 59 to 63 is manufactured by theabove-described processes.

Fifth Embodiment

The present embodiment features an insulating layer (for example, asilicon nitride layer) functioning as a charge trap to be used as acharge storage layer of a memory cell (VG-MONOS type).

As with the other cases, the separation of the charge storage layers inthe direction of extension of the NAND strings (the extension of the finstructure) is necessary for improving the performance in this case.Therefore, structure and manufacturing method described below areeffective to improve the performance of a VG-MONOS type VLB.

Structure

FIG. 69 shows the structure of the VG-MONOS type VLB. FIG. 70 is a sideview showing the structure in FIG. 69 seen along arrow A. FIG. 71 is across-sectional view taken along line LXXI-LXXI in FIG. 70. FIG. 72 is across-sectional view taken along line LXXII-LXXII in FIG. 72.

Semiconductor substrate 10 is, for example, a silicon substrate.Insulating layer 11 is, for example, a silicon oxide layer referred toas buried oxide (BOX) and used as a device separation insulating layer.

On insulating layer 11, first, second, third, and fourth semiconductorlayers (active areas) 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, and 12-4 are insulated from oneanother and stacked in the first direction which is perpendicular to thesurface of semiconductor substrate 10 while extending in the seconddirection parallel to the surface of semiconductor substrate 10.

In the present embodiment, the four semiconductor layers are stacked onthe insulating layer; however, the structure is not limited thereto andthe stack may be of simply two or more semiconductor layers. Since thememory volume increases as the number of stacked semiconductor layersincreases, the larger is preferable.

The insulation between first, second, third, and fourth semiconductorlayers 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, and 12-4 is performed by insulating layers (forexample, silicon oxide layers) 13.

Upon insulating layer 13 on fourth semiconductor layer 12-4 which isdisposed uppermost among the four semiconductor layers, insulating layer(upper insulating layer) 14 a is formed as a hard mask layer. In thepresent embodiment, insulating layer 14 a contains an oxide or a nitrideof elements selected from a group consisting of Al, Hf, Ta, Ti, and W.For example, insulating layer 14 a contains aluminum nitride (AlN).

A fin structure is composed of first, second, third, and fourthsemiconductor layers 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, and 12-4, and insulating layers13 and 14 a. First, second, third, and fourth semiconductor layers 12-1,12-2, 12-3, and 12-4 should preferably be monocrystalline but may bepolycrystalline or amorphous instead.

First, second, third, and fourth NAND strings (memory strings) S1, S2,S3, and S4 use first, second, third, and fourth semiconductor layers12-1, 12-2, 12-3, and 12-4, respectively, as a channel. First, second,third, and fourth NAND strings S1, S2, S3, and S4 each include memorycells MC connected in series in the second direction.

Memory cells MC in first, second, third, and fourth NAND strings S1, S2,S3, and S4 each include charge trap layered structure 25 and controlgate electrode 18-CG on the surfaces of first, second, third, and fourthsemiconductor layers 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, and 12-4 in a third directionwhich is perpendicular to the first and second directions.

Charge trap layered structure 25 includes, for example, gate insulatinglayer (tunnel oxidation layer) 25 a, charge trap layer (for example, asilicon nitride layer) 25 b, and block insulating layer 25 c as shown inFIG. 73. Block insulating layer 25 c blocks a leak between charge traplayer 25 b and control gate electrode 18-CG.

In charge trap layered structure 25, charge trap layer 25 b and blockinsulating layer 25 c are separated from each other memory cell bymemory cell in the direction of extension of first, second, third, andfourth NAND strings S1, S2, S3, and S4 (the direction of extension offin).

In the present embodiment, the width of each of first, second, third,and fourth semiconductor layers 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, and 12-4 in the thirddirection is wider than that of insulating layers 13 in the thirddirection, and charge trap layer (charge storage layer) 25 b of memorycells MC is formed along projections of first, second, third, and fourthsemiconductor layers 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, and 12-4 between insulatinglayers 13.

Control gate electrode 18-CG extends in the first direction along thesurface of first, second, third, and fourth semiconductor layers 12-1,12-2, 12-3, and 12-4 in the third direction, and is shared with first,second, third, and fourth NAND strings S1, S2, S3, and S4.

Furthermore, control gate electrode 18-CG completely fills a spacebetween two fin structures Fin adjacent in the third direction (fillingis confined within the space between the memory cells MC in two adjacentfin structures Fin). Control gate electrode 18-CG, as a whole, extendsin the third direction when being viewed from the above of semiconductorsubstrate 10.

Here, in the below-described manufacturing method of the presentembodiment, insulating layer 14 a used as a hard mask has width t1 inthe third direction which is equal to or narrower than width t3 ofuppermost insulating layer 13 in the third direction within the areacovered with control gate electrode 18-CG to separate charge trap layer(charge storage layer) 25 b of memory cells MC connected in series infirst, second, third, and fourth NAND strings S1, S2, S3, and S4.

Due to the separation process of charge trap layer (charge storagelayer) 25 b of memory cells MC, the cross-sectional shape of insulatinglayer 14 a in the third direction changes. The cross-sectional shape hassharp corners (as in FIG. 71) in the area covered with control gateelectrode 18-CG while having round corners (as in FIG. 72) in the areanot covered with control gate electrode 18-CG.

In the present embodiment, the four NAND strings are stackedcorresponding to four semiconductor layers; however, the structure isnot limited thereto and the stack may be of simply two or more NANDstrings corresponding to the same number of semiconductor layers.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, gate insulating layer 25 a isremoved in the area not covered with control gate electrode 18-CG (as inFIG. 72); however, gate insulating layer 25 a may remain in this area oncondition that charge trap layer (charge storage layer) 25 b is removedfrom the area.

With the above structure, a manufacturing method which can skip ashrinking step (isotropy etching) of insulating layer 14 a as a hardmask layer can be achieved. The details will be described below. Theinitial thickness of insulating layer 14 a can be reduced and the widthof insulating layer 14 a in the third direction can be formed with highaccuracy.

Materials

As in the first embodiment, materials used for the above VG-MONOS typeVLB may be selected arbitrarily from those suitable for respectivegenerations of semiconductor memories. Since the examples of suchmaterials have already been explained in detail in the first embodimentsection, repetition is avoided here.

Note that charge trap layer (charge storage layer) 25 b is formed of amaterial selected from a groups consisting of silicon nitride (SiN,Si₃N₄), silicon oxynitride (SiON), aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃), aluminumoxynitride (AlON), hafnium (HfO₂), hafnium aluminate (HfAlO₃), hafniumnitride (HfON), hafnium nitride aluminate (HfAlON), hafnium silicate(HfSiO), hafnium nitride silicate (HfSiON), lanthanum oxide (La₂O₃), andlanthanum alminate (LaAlO₃).

Charge trap layer (charge storage layer) 25 b may be formed of the abovematerial with modified composite ratio, for example, of silicon nitridehaving composite ratio of silicon to nitride different from the above.

Gate insulating layer 25 a and block insulating layer 25 c are formed ofthe same materials used for gate insulating layer 15 and interelectrodeinsulating layer 17 in the first embodiment.

Example of Manufacturing Method

FIGS. 74 to 80 show the example of the manufacturing method of theVG-MONOS type VLB in FIGS. 69 to 73.

Initially, as shown in FIG. 74, fin structures Fin are prepared in linewith the processes described in the first example of the manufacturingmethod section (with reference to FIGS. 5 to 9) of the first embodiment.

Here, the structural elements formed in line with the processes shown inFIGS. 5 to 9 are referred to by the same reference numbers in FIG. 74.

Then, as shown in FIG. 75, the surfaces of insulating layers 13 in thethird direction are recess-etched by, for example, wet etching orisotropy dry etching using HF/NH₃ gas.

Here, amount c of shrink (etching width) of insulating layers 13 isnecessary to be set to such a value equal to or smaller than width a ofside wall mask layer 14 b in the third direction. This is, as describedbelow, for securely separating charge trap layer (charge storage layer)25 b of memory cells within the area not covered with control gateelectrode.

As a result, projections of first, second, third, and fourthsemiconductor layers 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, and 12-4 are formed on thesurfaces of fin structures Fin in the third direction.

Then, side wall mask layer 14 b is removed.

Thus, as shown in FIG. 76, only hard mask layer 14 a having apredetermined width suitable for separating charge trap layer 25 bresides on insulating layers 13.

That is, by the above step, the same advantage obtained by conventionalhard mask layer shrinking techniques can be achieved. Furthermore, sincethe shrinking step of a hard mask layer (an integrated mask) performedconventionally can be skipped, the initial thickness of hard mask layer14 a can be reduced and the width thereof can be set with high accuracy.

Furthermore, by the above step, charge trap layer in a single NANDstring (one layer extending in the second direction) can be securelyseparated memory cell by memory cell during patterning the control gateas described below.

Then, as shown in FIG. 76, charge trap layered structure 25 is formed tocover the projections of first, second, third, and fourth semiconductorlayers 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, and 12-4. In this embodiment, charge traplayered structure 25 covers the entirety of fin structure Fin.

Then, as shown in FIG. 77, the entire surface of fin structure Fin iscovered with conductive layer 18 a used as a polycrystalline siliconlayer by, for example, the CVD. Conductive layer 18 a completely fills aspace between two adjacent fin structures Fin arranged in the thirddirection.

Here, as shown in FIG. 78, the upper surface of conductive layer 18 aand a part of charge trap layered structure 25 are polished by the CMP.At that time, the upper surface of hard mask layer 14 a may be used asthe endpoint for the CMP.

Then, conductive layer (for example, a metal layer) 18 b is formed onconductive layer 18 a by, for example, the CVD.

Furthermore, if need be, the upper surface of conductive layer 18 b (thesurface in the first direction) may be flattened out by the CMP. In thatcase, the CMP should preferably be performed after forming theinsulating layer such as a silicon oxide layer on conductive layer 18 b.

Next, a resist pattern is formed on conductive layers 18 b by the PEP.Control gate electrodes 18-CG (conductive layers 18 a and 18 b) arepatterned using the resist pattern as a mask.

The resist pattern used for patterning includes line and space patternsextending in the third direction.

Thus, as shown in FIGS. 79 and 80, conductive layers 18 a and 18 b andcharge trap layered structure 25 within the area not covered with theresist pattern are removed. That is, in a single NAND string, chargetrap layered structure 25 composing a single layer extending in thesecond direction is separated from each other memory cell by memory cellby this step.

Note that, even in the area not covered with the resist pattern, first,second, third, and fourth semiconductor layers 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, and12-4 and insulating layers 11 and 13 which are covered with hard masklayers 14 a are not removed.

Furthermore, during the patterning process of control gate electrode18-CG, hard mask layers 14 a within the area not covered with the resistpattern are etched to a certain extent while functioning as masks. As aresult of that, the cross-sectional shape of hard mask layers 14 a hasround portions within the area not covered as shown in FIGS. 79 and 80.

When the cross-sectional shape of hard mask layer 14 a in the thirddirection shapes corner portions in the area covered with resistpatterns 19 and control gate electrodes 18 b, accuracy of separatingcharge trap layered structure 25 memory cell by memory cell can beimproved.

When the cross-sectional shape of hard mask layer 14 a in the thirddirection shapes round portions in the area not covered with resistpatterns 19 and control gate electrodes 18 b, facility to fill a spacebetween word lines (control gate electrodes 18-CG) with an interlayerinsulating layer can be improved as described below.

After that, the resist pattern is removed.

Lastly, although this is not shown, the space between control gateelectrodes 18-CG having line and space patterns is filled with aninterlayer insulating layer (for example, a silicon oxide layer) by, forexample, the CVD.

The VG-MONOS type VLB in FIGS. 69 to 73 is manufactured by theabove-described processes.

Application Examples

Now, a VLB for application examples is explained.

FIG. 81 shows the VLB for application examples.

First, second, third, and fourth memory strings are formed on thesurface areas of first, second, third, and fourth semiconductor layers12-1, 12-2, 12-3, and 12-4, respectively within fin structures Fin. Theone ends of first, second, third, and fourth memory strings areconnected to common source line SL while the other ends are connected toa beam structure 31.

First, second, third, and fourth memory strings include memory cells MCconnected in series, block selection transistors SGT interposed betweenmemory cells MC, and assist gate transistors AGT interposed between beamstructure 31 and memory cells MC.

Block selection transistor SGT is shared with fin structures Fin in oneblock BK and includes one select gate line common with fin structuresFin in one block BK.

Assist gate transistor AGT is shared with first, second, third, andfourth memory strings in one fin structure Fin and includes one selectgate line common with first, second, third, and fourth memory strings inone fin structure Fin. That is, the select gate line of assist gatetransistor AGT is independent in each fin structure Fin.

Beam structure 31 extends in the third direction to prevent a collapseof fin structure Fin. Beam structure 31 includes, similarly to finstructure Fin, first, second, third, and fourth semiconductor layers12-1, 12-2, 12-3, and 12-4 and insulating layers 11, 13, and 14. At theone end of beam structure 31 in the third direction, first, second,third, and fourth layer selection transistors LST are disposed.

First, second, third, and fourth layer selection transistors LST usefirst, second, third, and fourth semiconductor layers 12-1, 12-2, 12-3,and 12-4 as channels, and select one of first, second, third, and fourthsemiconductor layers 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, and 12-4.

First, second, third, and fourth layer selection transistors LST arearranged in the third direction, and include first, second, third, andfourth select gate electrodes 33-1, 33-2, 33-3, and 33-4 disposed withcertain pitches P in the order stated from a contact plug (commonelectrode) 32 side.

First, second, third, and fourth select gate electrodes 33-1, 33-2,33-3, and 33-4 at least extend in the first direction along the surfacesof first, second, third, and fourth semiconductor layers 12-1, 12-2,12-3, and 12-4 in the second direction.

In this example, first, second, third, and fourth select gate electrodes33-1, 33-2, 33-3, and 33-4 cover the upper surface of beam structure 31in the first direction and two side surfaces thereof in the seconddirection. That is, layer selection transistors LST are formed in adouble gate structure.

Furthermore, first layer selection transistor LST including first selectgate electrode 33-1 has a normally-on channel in first semiconductorlayer 12-1. That is, first layer selection transistor LST includingfirst select gate electrode 33-1 is normally on in first semiconductorlayer 12-1 and is on/off controllable in second, third, and fourthsemiconductor layers 12-2, 12-3, and 12-4.

Second layer selection transistor LST including second select gateelectrode 33-2 has a normally-on channel in second semiconductor layer12-2. That is, second layer selection transistor LST including secondselect gate electrode 33-2 is normally on in second semiconductor layer12-2 and is on/off controllable in first, third, and fourthsemiconductor layers 12-1, 12-3, 12-4.

Third layer selection transistor LST including third select gateelectrode 33-3 has a normally-on channel in third semiconductor layer12-3. That is, third layer selection transistor LST including thirdselect gate electrode 33-3 is normally on in third semiconductor layer12-3 and is on/off controllable in first, second, and fourthsemiconductor layers 12-1, 12-2, and 12-4.

Fourth layer selection transistor LST including fourth select gateelectrode 33-4 has a normally-on channel in fourth semiconductor layer12-4. That is, fourth layer selection transistor LST including fourthselect gate electrode 33-4 is normally on in fourth semiconductor layer12-4 and is on/off controllable in first, second, and thirdsemiconductor layers 12-1, 12-2, and 12-3.

Note that the normally-on channels of first, second, third, and fourthsemiconductor layers 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, and 12-4 can be formed of n-typeimpurity (pentavalent element such as arsenic and phosphorus), p-typeimpurity (trivalent element such as boron and indium), or an impurityregion containing both impurities.

With the above-described first, second, third, and fourth layerselection transistors LST, contact plug 32 can be used as a commonelectrode to first, second, third, and fourth semiconductor layers 12-1,12-2, 12-3, and 12-4. That is, there is no necessity of providingindividual contact plugs in first, second, third, and fourthsemiconductor layers 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, and 12-4, and the size of acontact region can be reduced.

Note that the width of beam structure 31 in the second direction may bethe same as or different from the width of fin structure Fin in thethird direction. Preferably, the width of beam structure 31 in thesecond direction should be wider than the width of fin structure Fin inthe third direction for the purposes of reducing wiring resistance inbeam structure 31 and preventing a collapse of fin structure Fin.

Furthermore, contact plug (common electrode) 32 contains metal elementssuch as W and Al. Bit line BL is connected to contact plug 32.

CONCLUSION

As can be understood from the above, the present embodiments can reducethe initial thickness of the hard mask used for fin processing andseparating charge storage layer and can improve the accuracy ofshrinking of the hard mask after the fin processing. Therefore,nonvolatile semiconductor memory device suitable for miniaturization andmanufacturing method of the same can be achieved.

While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments havebeen presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit thescope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel embodiments described hereinmay be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, variousomissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the embodimentsdescribed herein may be made without departing from the spirit of theinventions. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intendedto cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope andspirit of the inventions.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of manufacturing a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device including a semiconductor substrate; a stacked layer structure including first to n-th semiconductor layers (n is a natural number equal to or larger than 2) stacked in a first direction which is perpendicular to a surface of the semiconductor substrate, and an upper insulating layer stacked on the n-th semiconductor layer, the stacked layer structure extending in a second direction which is parallel to the surface of the semiconductor substrate; and first to n-th NAND strings provided on surfaces of the first to n-th semiconductor layers in a third direction which is perpendicular to the first and second directions respectively, wherein each of the first to n-th NAND strings includes memory cells connected in series, each of the memory cells includes a charge storage layer and a control gate electrode, the charge storage layers of the memory cells are separated from one another, and the upper insulating layer includes an oxide or a nitride of an element selected from a group of Al, Hf, Ta, Ti, and W, the method comprising: forming a sidewall mask layer on a sidewall of a hard mask layer as the upper insulating layer; forming the stacked layer structure by anisotropic etching using the hard mask layer and the sidewall mask layer as a mask; forming a charge storage material on a surface of the stacked layer structure in the third direction; removing the sidewall mask layer after forming the charge storage material; forming a control gate material on the surface of the stacked layer structure in the third direction after removing the sidewall mask layer; forming a gate mask layer on the stacked layer structure and the control gate material; forming the control gate electrode of each of the memory cells by patterning the control gate material using the gate mask layer as a mask; and separating the charge storage layers of the memory cells from one another by patterning the charge storage material using the hard mask layer as a mask in an area which is not covered with the gate mask layer, while the control gate material is patterned.
 2. A method of manufacturing a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device including a semiconductor substrate; a stacked layer structure including first to n-th semiconductor layers (n is a natural number equal to or larger than 2) stacked in a first direction which is perpendicular to a surface of the semiconductor substrate, and an upper insulating layer stacked on the n-th semiconductor layer, the stacked layer structure extending in a second direction which is parallel to the surface of the semiconductor substrate; and first to n-th NAND strings provided on surfaces of the first to n-th semiconductor layers in a third direction which is perpendicular to the first and second directions respectively, wherein each of the first to n-th NAND strings includes memory cells connected in series, each of the memory cells includes a charge storage layer and a control gate electrode, the charge storage layers of the memory cells are separated from one another, and the upper insulating layer includes an oxide or a nitride of an element selected from a group of Al, Hf, Ta, Ti, and W, the method comprising: forming a hard mask layer as the upper insulating layer, the hard mask layer including first and second layers; forming a sidewall mask layer on a sidewall of the hard mask layer; forming the stacked layer structure by anisotropic etching using the second layer and the sidewall mask layer as a mask; forming a charge storage material on a surface of the stacked layer structure in the third direction; removing the second layer and the sidewall mask layer after forming the charge storage material; forming a control gate material on the surface of the stacked layer structure in the third direction after removing the second layer and the sidewall mask layer; forming a gate mask layer on the stacked layer structure and the control gate material; forming the control gate electrode of each of the memory cells by patterning the control gate material using the gate mask layer as a mask; and separating the charge storage layers of the memory cells from one another by patterning the charge storage material using the first layer as a mask in an area which is not covered with the gate mask layer, while the control gate material is patterned.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the first layer includes an oxide or a nitride of an element selected from a group of Al, Hf, Ta, Ti, and W, and the second layer includes an element in the sidewall mask layer.
 4. The method of claim 2, wherein the first layer includes an oxide or a nitride of an element selected from a group of Al, Hf, Ta, Ti, and W, and the second layer includes one of a silicon oxide layer, a silicon nitride layer, and a resist layer including carbon.
 5. A method of manufacturing a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device including a semiconductor substrate; a stacked layer structure including first to n-th semiconductor layers (n is a natural number equal to or larger than 2) stacked in a first direction which is perpendicular to a surface of the semiconductor substrate, and an upper insulating layer stacked on the n-th semiconductor layer, the stacked layer structure extending in a second direction which is parallel to the surface of the semiconductor substrate; and first to n-th NAND strings provided on surfaces of the first to n-th semiconductor layers in a third direction which is perpendicular to the first and second directions respectively, wherein each of the first to n-th NAND strings includes memory cells connected in series, each of the memory cells includes a charge storage layer and a control gate electrode, the charge storage layers of the memory cells are separated from one another, and the upper insulating layer includes an oxide or a nitride of an element selected from a group of Al, Hf, Ta, Ti, and W, wherein the stacked layer structure includes a slit passing through the upper insulating layer and the first to n-th semiconductor layers in the first direction, a first insulating layer covering a surface of the first to n-th semiconductor layers provided in the slit in the third direction, a conductive layer provided in the slit, and a second insulating layer covering the conductive layer in the first direction, the method comprising: forming a slit in the first to n-th semiconductor layers by anisotropic etching using a hard mask layer as the upper insulating layer having the slit; forming the first insulating layer on surfaces of the first to n-th semiconductor layers provided in the slit in the third direction; forming a conductive layer in the slit; forming a sidewall mask layer in the slit and on a sidewall of the hard mask layer; and forming the stacked layer structure by anisotropic etching using the hard mask layer and the sidewall mask layer as a mask.
 6. The method of claim 5, further comprising: forming a charge storage material on a surface of the stacked layer structure in the third direction; removing the sidewall mask layer after forming the charge storage material; forming a control gate material on the surface of the stacked layer structure in the third direction after removing the sidewall mask layer; forming a gate mask layer on the stacked layer structure and the control gate material; forming the control gate electrode of each of the memory cells by patterning the control gate material using the gate mask layer as a mask; and separating the charge storage layers of the memory cells from one another by patterning the charge storage material using the hard mask layer as a mask in an area which is not covered with the gate mask layer, while the control gate material is patterned.
 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising: leaving a part of the sidewall mask layer in the slit as the second insulating layer when the sidewall mask layer is removed; and separating the charge storage layers of the memory cells from one another using the hard mask layer and the sidewall mask layer in the slit as a mask, while the control gate electrode of each of the memory cells is formed.
 8. A method of manufacturing a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device including a semiconductor substrate; a stacked layer structure including first to n-th semiconductor layers (n is a natural number equal to or larger than 2) stacked in a first direction which is perpendicular to a surface of the semiconductor substrate, and an upper insulating layer stacked on the n-th semiconductor layer, the stacked layer structure extending in a second direction which is parallel to the surface of the semiconductor substrate; and first to n-th NAND strings provided on surfaces of the first to n-th semiconductor layers in a third direction which is perpendicular to the first and second directions respectively, wherein each of the first to n-th NAND strings includes memory cells connected in series, each of the memory cells includes a charge storage layer and a control gate electrode, the charge storage layers of the memory cells are separated from one another, and the upper insulating layer includes an oxide or a nitride of an element selected from a group of Al, Hf, Ta, Ti, and W, wherein each of the memory cells includes a first insulating layer and the charge storage layer in the order stated on a surface of the first to n-th semiconductor layers in the third direction, and includes a second insulating layer and the control gate electrode covering two surfaces of the charge storage layer in the second direction, the method comprising: forming a sidewall mask layer on a sidewall of a hard mask layer as the upper insulating layer; forming the stacked layer structure by anisotropic etching using the hard mask layer and the sidewall mask layer as a mask; forming a charge storage material on a surface of the stacked layer structure in the third direction; removing the sidewall mask layer after forming the charge storage material; forming an insulating material on the surface of the stacked layer structure in the third direction after removing the sidewall mask layer; forming a gate mask layer on the stacked layer structure and the insulating material; forming a line and space pattern by patterning the insulating material using the gate mask layer as a mask; separating the charge storage layers of the memory cells by patterning the charge storage material using the hard mask layer as a mask in an area which is not covered with the gate mask layer, while the line and space pattern is formed; and forming the second insulating layer and the control gate electrode in the space of the line and space pattern, the second insulating layer and the control gate electrode covering surfaces of the charge storage layer in the second direction.
 9. A method of manufacturing a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device including a semiconductor substrate; a stacked layer structure including first to n-th semiconductor layers (n is a natural number equal to or larger than 2) stacked in a first direction which is perpendicular to a surface of the semiconductor substrate, and an upper insulating layer stacked on the n-th semiconductor layer, the stacked layer structure extending in a second direction which is parallel to the surface of the semiconductor substrate; and first to n-th NAND strings provided on surfaces of the first to n-th semiconductor layers in a third direction which is perpendicular to the first and second directions respectively, wherein each of the first to n-th NAND strings includes memory cells connected in series, each of the memory cells includes a charge storage layer and a control gate electrode, the charge storage layers of the memory cells are separated from one another, and the upper insulating layer includes an oxide or a nitride of an element selected from a group of Al, Hf, Ta, Ti, and W, wherein the stacked layer structure includes first to (n+1)-th insulating layers stacked in the first direction, the i-th semiconductor layer (i is one of 1 to n) is provided between the i-th insulating layer and the (i+1)-th insulating layer, each of the first to n-th semiconductor layers has a width narrower than that of each of the first to (n+1)-th insulating layers in the third direction, and the charge storage layers of the memory cells are provided in concave portions between the first to (n+1)-th insulating layers respectively, the method comprising: forming a sidewall mask layer on a sidewall of a hard mask layer as the upper insulating layer; forming the stacked layer structure by anisotropic etching using the hard mask layer and the sidewall mask layer as a mask; forming the concave portions between the first to (n+1)-th insulating layers by etching a surface of the first to n-th semiconductor layers in the third direction, a width of the etching being equal to or smaller than that of the sidewall mask layer in the third direction; and forming the charge storage layers of the memory cells in the concave portions respectively.
 10. A method of manufacturing a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device including a semiconductor substrate; a stacked layer structure including first to n-th semiconductor layers (n is a natural number equal to or larger than 2) stacked in a first direction which is perpendicular to a surface of the semiconductor substrate, and an upper insulating layer stacked on the n-th semiconductor layer, the stacked layer structure extending in a second direction which is parallel to the surface of the semiconductor substrate; and first to n-th NAND strings provided on surfaces of the first to n-th semiconductor layers in a third direction which is perpendicular to the first and second directions respectively, wherein each of the first to n-th NAND strings includes memory cells connected in series, each of the memory cells includes a charge storage layer and a control gate electrode, the charge storage layers of the memory cells are separated from one another, and the upper insulating layer includes an oxide or a nitride of an element selected from a group of Al, Hf, Ta, Ti, and W, wherein the stacked layer structure includes first to (n+1)-th insulating layers stacked in the first direction, the i-th semiconductor layer (i is one of 1 to n) is provided between the i-th insulating layer and the (i+1)-th insulating layer, and the upper insulating layer which is covered with the control gate electrode has a width equal to or narrower than that of the (n+1)-th insulating layer in the third direction; and wherein each of the first to n-th semiconductor layers has a width wider than a width of each of the first to (n+1)-th insulating layers in the third direction, and the charge storage layers of the memory cells are provided along convex portions of the first to n-th semiconductor layers respectively, the method comprising: forming a sidewall mask layer on a sidewall of a hard mask layer as the upper insulating layer; forming the stacked layer structure by anisotropic etching using the hard mask layer and the sidewall mask layer as a mask; forming the convex portions of the first to n-th semiconductor layers by etching a surface of the first to (n+1)-th insulating layers in the third direction, a width of the etching being equal to or smaller than that of the sidewall mask layer in the third direction; and forming the charge storage layers of the memory cells along the convex portions respectively. 